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A Family Day Out in Destin

Spend the day on a boat, in a museum and on the beach learning about the World's Luckiest Fishing Village!

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 10 miles

Duration: Full day

Family Friendly

Overview :
Destin is a beautiful beach town also known as the World's Luckiest Fishing Village. Spend time on the sandy white beaches, visit one ... more »of several state parks in the area, and spend some time shopping and eating some of that world famous seafood! less «

Tips:
This guide is meant to be completed in one day's visit but can certainly be stretched out to occupy more than one day depending on... more » your family's interests and children's ages. Although the activities are located within a ten mile stretch of road, be prepared to sit in traffic during peak tourist season. There are plenty of restaurants, shopping centers, and beach pull-offs along the road so you can take a break if you are tired of battling beach traffic. less «

Points of Interest

Begin your day with a visit to the Destin History and Fishing Museum. Visitors will see antique fishing equipment, prize fish caught in the area, and more. Learn about life in Destin before electricity and see the oldest seine fishing boat still in existence.

Take an early afternoon dolphin cruise with Olin Marler Charter cruises. The narrated tour will tell you a little bit about the Destin Harbor and if luck is on your side, you will spot numerous dolphins frolicking in the water. Dolphin and fishing cruises run several times daily. The cabin is air conditioned/heated and snacks are available for ... Morepurchase. Reservations recommended.

If you have had enough of the beach, spend the afternoon sliding down water slides, floating in a lazy river and splashing in the pools. When you are done playing in the water, head over to the Adventure Park to play mini golf or drive the racecars. You could certainly spend all day here and, for the price you will pay, you might want to. ... More However, your time might be limited, weather might be bad or the kids might just tire out quickly. If you want to spend more time at the beach, then skip this Point of Interest and head to Henderson Beach State Park (POI #5).

Address: 1007 US Highway 98 East
Phone: 850.837.8319
Hours of Operation: Hours vary throughout summer season. See website for hours.
Admission: Over 48" Water Park Admission $36.99; Under 48" Water Park Admission $29.99; Senior - Water Park Admission $29.99 (Available only at the gate); Ages 2 and under are free; Adventure park admission varies by activity Less

4. Destin Commons

The Destin Commons is a great place to grab a late lunch or early dinner. Along with shops and restaurants, there is a small playground, a splash fountain and a small train that gives rides throughout the center. There are plenty of restaurant choices including Hard Rock Cafe, Johnny Rockets, Redbrick Pizza and more.

Henderson Beach State Park is a gorgeous stretch of beach that is part of the Florida state park system. Camping is available. Visitors can fish, swim or go for a walk. There are picnic areas and a playground for the children. While you are visiting the park look for the different wildlife including dolphins, sea turtles, fish and birds.

Once you have worn the family out, make the fifteen minute drive (longer during peak tourist season) down Highway 98 to the Village of Baytowne Wharf. The Village is a wonderful way to close out the day. If you are hungry, choose from seafood, pizza, or BBQ. You could skip dinner and go straight to ice cream, snoballs, or candy for dessert. ... More The Baytowne Adventure Zone will keep the kids occupied with its zip line, ropes course, tower climb, Euro Bungy and playground.

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